Commentaries

Groom your replacement
April 18, 2018 — I firmly believe things happen for a reason. This month is my opportunity to provide a Commander’s Commentary and it also happens to be the same month I joined the Air Force 20 years ago. Which means I’m closer to the end of my career than the beginning and when the day comes for me to retire, someone will replace me. I first heard the phrase, “You... MORE

2018 Cooper River Bridge Run, maritime safety through partnership
April 18, 2018 — Although it may only take the fastest runners around 30 minutes to complete the Cooper River Bridge Run, months of planning and preparation ensured the event proceeded in a smooth, secure and most importantly, safe manner. Since its inception in 1978, the popularity of the Cooper River Bridge Run has grown exponentially and has solidified itself as... MORE

Past teaches present
April 4, 2018 — On April 9, 1865 General Robert E. Lee signed the document officially ending the hostilities between the North and South. Although the American Civil War officially ended nearly 153 years ago, remnants of the war remain in the ground underneath Charleston in the form of exploded and unexploded ordnance. The construction boom in and around... MORE

Graham Long, left, Charleston Museum, head curator, explains Civil War fuses to the 628th ABW Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight.

U.S. Coast Guard operating out of Charleston
March 14, 2018 — Many may be familiar with the U.S. Coast Guard’s myriad of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, port security, aids to navigation and marine safety -- especially since our boats, small cutters, buoy tenders, and helicopters are always out and about in the Lowcountry. What may be less known is, since the end of 2014, Charleston has... MORE

USCGC Hamilton destroys a suspected smuggling vessel as a hazard to navigation following a Feb. 2018 interdiction operation.

NHCC’s 2017 year in review
February 28, 2018 — In July 2017, I assumed command of Naval Health Clinic Charleston and I am especially proud to lead such an impressive group of outstanding men and women. Together, these individuals are a dedicated team of healthcare professionals leading this clinic on its journey to become a high reliability organization. Our progress on this journey is due to... MORE

U.S. Navy Capt. Dale Barrette, commanding officer

USCG James’ eventful 2017
February 14, 2018 — In late September 2017, the crew of the USCGC JAMES (WMSL 754) was finishing a deployment in support of the Coast Guard’s Western Hemisphere Strategy to combat illicit trafficking of narcotics in the Eastern Pacific. Their results were impressive; directly interdicting 15 drug smuggling vessels, seizing 10,861 kilograms of cocaine valued at $320... MORE

USCGC JAMES (WMSL 754) anchored in San Juan, Puerto Rico harbor. The James arrived in Puerto Rico to assist in the humanitarian and disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Maria.

Teen dating violence: what you should know
February 12, 2018 — February, with Valentine’s Day, is a month when love is in the air as we anticipate romantic dinner dates, flowers or gifts from the ones we love. February is also a time to call attention to the darker side of relationships. February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and... MORE

High-Touch Leadership
February 9, 2018 — Technology has revolutionized our lives and the Air Force. Our high-tech culture and military are capable of unprecedented effectiveness and agility due to the speed of communication. In many facets of our personal and professional lives, technology gives us the ability to communicate rapidly and accomplish a variety of tasks with minimal personal... MORE

Thank you for a strong 2017
February 2, 2018 — It is customary, as each year comes to a close, to reflect on the challenges faced and the successes achieved throughout the year. Before I could share my thoughts about 2017 with you, however, Winter Storm Grayson provided Joint Base Charleston our first challenge of 2018. As always, the entire JB Charleston team responded positively, allowing us... MORE

Command Career Counselors prepare Sailors
January 31, 2018 — The Navy Command Career Counselor is the critical link between an individual Sailor, his or her command and supporting Navy organizations. Their ultimate goal is to develop Sailors who are properly prepared for career milestones directly linked to advancement. The personal goal I set prior to arriving at every command is to earn the Retention... MORE